Luxury fashion is often dominated by European names, but a new wave of African talent is rewriting that story. Among them is Nigerian designer Cynthia Okpechukwu, who has spent the last five years helping to shape one of the most talked-about luxury handbag brands of today, Anima Iris.
Cynthia’s path into fashion was anything but typical. Having first worked in banking, she made the bold transition into fashion and quickly established herself as one of the creative forces behind Anima Iris, a globally recognised luxury brand based in the U.S.
What started as curiosity soon became a career dedicated to design, craftsmanship, and storytelling on a global stage. Through her contributions, Anima Iris has grown its presence in global retail spaces and achieved over $2 million in sales, a milestone that highlights how African design can thrive at the highest levels of luxury.
At Anima Iris, Cynthia has been involved in creating collections that stand out for their boldness and innovation. From early editorial campaigns to more recent launches like the Fuchsia Collection and the Tennis Collection, her influence can be seen in the design direction, visual storytelling, and the way each collection connects with the brand’s audience.
Her creative input has extended beyond design to shaping the image of the brand itself. She has played a key role in curating editorial shoots, working with artisans in Dakar, and ensuring that collections reflect both modern luxury and African craftsmanship.
Under her contributions, Anima Iris handbags have not only grown a loyal customer base but have also found their way into global luxury retail spaces.
One of her pieces is the ZURI top handle handbag in a solid, vibrant royal blue novelty color with a crocodile-embossed texture. The material has a distinct, raised pattern. The handle is a large, solid ring made of metal, adding a bold, sculptural element to the design. This design combines a playful, kitschy silhouette with a luxurious, high-fashion material and colour, creating a unique statement piece. It’s a clear example of a designer playing with everyday objects to create a high-end accessory.
Another piece that stole the spotlight is the vibrant pink FW ’23 handbag collection with a combination of the distinct reptile & crocodile like embossed leather. It has a geometric, structured shape with a pointed flap closure. The most unique feature of the collection is the striking shade of fuchsia pink which was made as a custom color for the brand by Pantone, complementing the body of the bag styles. The collection also introduced the logo mark, a subtle gold-toned detail on the bottom right corner of the front flap. The bags have an artisanal and handcrafted aesthetic. They combine a playful, colourful pattern with a sophisticated, structured shape, making them a statement accessory.
These creations, along with her other handcrafted designs, have helped Anima Iris build a loyal customer base and gain access to global luxury retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, & Saks Fifth Avenue.
As a Nigerian woman working at the intersection of African craft and international luxury, Cynthia represents a new generation of designers who are pushing boundaries. Her journey shows how Nigerian talent is not only participating globally but actively shaping it, ensuring that African creativity is represented at the highest levels.
“I see my role not only as a designer but as someone telling the story of African luxury through craft, culture, and creativity. It is important for me to show that Nigerian talent can thrive at the highest levels of fashion, and I am proud that my work has contributed to Anima Iris being recognised on a global scale,” Cynthia Okpechukwu stated.
written by : Peter baridi .